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The Mediated MIMIC Model for Understanding the Underlying Mechanism of DIF
Ying Cheng1, Can Shao1, Quinn N Lathrop1
1University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
Educational and Psychological Measurement
|May 26, 2018
Summary
The mediated MIMIC model effectively detects underlying mechanisms of differential item functioning (DIF), explaining item bias. This method helps identify and revise biased test items by uncovering mediating factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychometrics
- Educational Measurement
- Statistics
Background:
- The multiple-indicator, multiple-causes (MIMIC) model is widely used for detecting differential item functioning (DIF).
- However, the MIMIC model does not fully explain the mechanisms causing DIF.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for item revision and test fairness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate the mediated MIMIC model for uncovering the underlying mechanisms of DIF.
- To investigate whether the DIF effect can be completely or partially explained by mediating variables.
- To assess the performance of the mediated MIMIC model in detecting mediation effects.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes the mediated MIMIC model, an extension of the standard MIMIC model.
- This extended model incorporates one or more mediating variables that may explain the DIF effect.
- A simulation study was conducted to assess the model's effectiveness and Type I error rates.
Main Results:
- The mediated MIMIC model successfully detected mediation effects that completely or partially accounted for DIF.
- The model maintained well-controlled Type I error rates across balanced and unbalanced group sizes.
- The simulation results demonstrated the model's capability in identifying DIF mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The mediated MIMIC model provides a valuable tool for explaining the causes of DIF.
- This method can guide the revision of test items exhibiting differential item functioning.
- The mediated MIMIC model enhances the understanding of item bias in educational and psychological assessments.
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